Our economy, with and largest population of the words on healthy growth trajectory which is swiftly growing our energy demand. With fast growing energy demand, Indianis 3rd largest energy consumer in the world. To meet the increased energy demand, Government is committed to transform Indian energy sector including our hydrocarbon sector.

Indian oil and gas sector a witnessed significant policy reforms and many major milestones have been crossed in recent years. Government has implemented several policy measures such at Now Exploration Licensing Policy(NELP), Hydrocarbon Exploration LicensingPolicy(HELP), Open Acreage Licensing Policy(OALP) and the Discovered Small Fields(DSF) etc to promote Oil & Gas exploration activities in the country and enhance domestic oil and gas production. Further, extension of National Gos Grid to new markets in Eastern, North-Eastern and Southern regions along with expansion of the City Gas Distribution(CGD) coverago across the country have been prioritized.

The increased activites in Oil & Gas sector including tapping of unconventional energy resources need to be consistently supported by competent human resources. MoPNG is committed to provide he industry with capable engineers and future leaders through academic institutions specific to energy domain viz. Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology(RGIPT). It is an "Institute of National Importance" established through an Act of Parliament.

I am happy to note that the RGIPT is organizing an International Conference on Unconventional Energy Resources during February 28 - March 1, 2019. There is an ardent need for the industry to focus on unconventional energy resources and technologies. I congratulate them on this initiative and wish all the success for the conference.